Clouded Mind part 2 #8

Chapter 2 Teenagers:

Holy moly! It's been over a week already?! I'm so sorry to keep you guys waiting, I've just been super busy with part 3, school, and a new story which I'm currently writing called 'Tale of the Mlima Pride'.

And we are finally up to chapter 2 or Act 2 or whatever you call those. It's the moment we've all been waiting for...The lion guard are now teenagers!

(Cricket chirp)

At least they're growing up. I have a few chapters where we see the guard as teenagers and going into adulthood. These chapters are just to show how much the guard has changed (mostly Fuli). I have not mentioned Kion because he is at the Oasis and we don't see him for quite a while.

Anyways, hope you enjoy the chapter. Sorry again about the wait.

The years flew by like a blink of an eye. The lion guard are now teenagers.
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Fuli, the new leader, has grown into a beautiful young cheetah. During these past few years, Fuli has grown stronger, wiser, faster and more distant. She hates admitting weakness.

Bunga is still the same annoying and brave honey badger but he's grown a little taller and muscular.

Beshte has grown in size and can pick up super heavy objects.

Ono has also grown taller. He is smarter and faster too.
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The war is over. The Prideland Lions and the Outland Lions have ended their grudge and are starting over. Fuli watches as King Simba announces the peace between their prides with Nala, Kiara and Kovu at his side. Their fight for peace is over and Fuli only wished she could end hers.

"What's with the frown Fuli? It's a party." Says Bunga dancing to the music at the party that evening.

"Yeah, come on Fuli. Lighten up." Agrees Beshte.

"No thanks. I'm not really in the mood for partying." Fuli replies. "I'm going to get some air."

Fuli leaves the party without anyone noticing, well, except the guard.

"But we are outside." Says Bunga. "Why does everyone ignore the obvious?"

Ono face-wings himself. "You never see the obvious, Bunga."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Snaps the honey badger.

Beshte steps in before they could start a fight. "What Ono is trying to say is that Fuli needs to be alone right now."

"But why?" Whines Bunga.

Beshte shakes his head. "Reasons that are personal."

"Like Kion?" Asks Bunga.

"Exactly." Answers Ono.

Fuli could still hear the music from the water hole. She knew that this is meant to be a happy moment for the Pridelands so why can't she just be happy? Fuli has lost hope that Kion will ever come back but she didn't know why she kept missing him.

"What is wrong with me?" Fuli asks herself.

Fuli leans down to the water to take a drink but only sees half of her reflection. Fuli could feel the blood boil inside her and she unsheathes her claws.

"Why can't I just forget?!" She yells and slashes the water.

"Still missing my brother?" Asks a voice.

Fuli turns to see Kiara walking towards her.

"I don't blame you though. I still miss him." Kiara continues.

Fuli doesn't say anything. She turns back to the water to see the water ripples slow but it was enough to see her reflection. Kiara also looks at Fuli's reflection and her own as well.

"What's the deal with these stupid reflections?" Asks Fuli in a snappy tone.

"That's exactly what I said when I was a cub. I didn't understand then, but I understand now." Says Kiara.

Fuli looks at Kiara's reflection and sees it whole. "Do you have to talk in riddles?"

Kiara chuckles at this. "What I'm saying is, you only know half of who you are and you still need to find the other half."

"But I already know who I am. I am Fuli, the fastest and leader of the lion guard. I am also one of the best hunters in the Pridelands and I don't need pity from others." The cheetah snaps.

"We're worried about you Fuli. I know that cheetahs are independent and like to live alone but...this is different."

"How so?"

"You blame yourself for all of this."

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you."

"Try me."

Kiara sits on the ground and listens.

"You don't know what it's like to lose someone who means the world to you. You don't know what it's like to have someone else's destiny. You also don't know what it's like to have so many times when you wish you could stop being a leader." Says Fuli almost shouting and crying.

"You're wrong Fuli." Says Kiara gently. "I know what it's like to lose someone. I know what it's like to have someone else's destiny and I know what it's like to not want to be a leader."

Fuli tilts her head in confusion. "How?"

"Kion is my brother and my world. When he ran away I just wanted to shut myself off from the rest of the world and when Kovu got exiled, I thought the exact same thing. Having someone else's destiny? I never wanted to be queen. When I was younger, maybe; but when I started having queen lessons, I just didn't want that. Also, being a princess also means being a leader. Something I was never good at. Remember my first hunt? If I can't catch anything, how can I lead a hunt?"

"I didn't realise you felt like that." Replies Fuli.

"Unlike me, you have the chance to give up. So why don't you?" Asks the princess.

"I don't know." Fuli replies. "There have been so many times when I wished I could go to the tip of PrideRock and yell 'I give up' or just run away. So many times that I've lost count. I don't know what's holding me back. Maybe if he ever comes back or if my parents are watching, they'll be proud."

Kiara gives her a reassuring nuzzle. "It's ok. But I know your parents and Kion are proud."

"Thanks Kiara. You're a good friend."

"So are you."